Chapter 119

"Roko-sama, who do you intend to send?"

Buck asked curiously.

Roko's gaze fell on Fula, who was standing to the side.

No, Fula was not suitable for this kind of diplomatic occasion.

His gaze turned to the entrance of the council hall.

"Falco."

Roko called out softly.

Soon, Falco, with his tall stature and firm expression, walked in from outside the door.

"Roko-sama."

Falco knelt on one knee.

"Falco, I have an important task to entrust to you."

Roko looked at his loyal Guardian Knight.

"You will serve as my special envoy and accompany Patriarch Bagelumu to the Fire Beard Tribe in the Dwarf Mountains."

"Your task is to assist Patriarch Bagelumu in negotiating with the Fire Beard Tribe and facilitate reconciliation and cooperation between them."

"At the same time, you must also clearly convey our Vanguard Valley's goodwill and our support for the Stone Hammer Tribe to the other party."

A flash of excitement appeared in Falco's eyes.

"Yes, Roko-sama!"

"Falco will definitely not fail the mission!"

"Hmm." Roko nodded and added, "On this trip, you can also take Mike along."

"Let him see the world and accumulate some experience."

Mike was standing in a corner, trying to lower his presence; hearing Roko call his name, he jumped.

"Ah? Me?"

He pointed at himself in disbelief.

A playful smile appeared on the corners of Roko's mouth.

"What? You don't want to?"

Mike shook his head repeatedly.

"No, no, no! I want to! I definitely want to!"

Being able to go to the Dwarf Mountains with Falco to execute such an important task was a rare training opportunity for him.

Although it might be somewhat dangerous, it was also full of excitement.

"Very good."

Roko said to Martina, "Martina, prepare a batch of our best spirits as a gift for this mission."

"Let those dwarves know how 'intense' our Vanguard Valley's sincerity is."

A hint of a smile flashed in Martina's white eyes.

"I understand, Roko."

"I guarantee it will be unforgettable for them for the rest of their lives."

Watching this scene, Bagelumu's admiration for Roko deepened even further.

This young Lord was not only brave and resourceful but also had a keen eye for talent and a way of using people.

The Stone Hammer Tribe was truly fortunate to have such an ally.

"Roko-sama, regarding the mysterious humans behind the Fire Beard Tribe..."

2

Bagelumu suddenly remembered something and asked again.

Roko's gaze narrowed slightly.

"Falco, you must pay more attention to this matter on your trip."

"Collect as much intelligence as possible about those mysterious humans."

"I always feel that those guys are not that simple."

"Yes, Roko-sama!"

Falco responded in a deep voice.

In the council hall, Roko's gaze toward Bagelumu became even softer.

"Patriarch Bagelumu, this crisis is both a challenge and an opportunity for your Stone Hammer Tribe."

"If you can successfully resolve it, your Stone Hammer Tribe's status in the Dwarf Mountains will be unmatched."

"Vanguard Valley will always be your most solid backing."

Hearing this, Bagelumu was deeply moved.

His favorability and loyalty toward Roko rose again at this moment.

【Bagelumu's favorability toward you +10, current favorability: 90 (Deeply grateful)】

【Bagelumu's loyalty toward you +10, current loyalty: 85 (Sworn to death)】

"Please rest assured, Roko-sama!"

"Our Stone Hammer Tribe will definitely not let you down!"

Bagelumu promised, patting his chest.

With the matter discussed, Bagelumu couldn't wait to return to the Dwarf Mountains.

He wanted to tell his clansmen this great news immediately.

At the same time, he also had to make full preparations for the arrival of Special Envoy Falco.

Roko didn't keep him.

He had Martina prepare sufficient spirit samples and some Vanguard Valley specialties as a "stepping stone" for Falco's mission.

Before leaving, Roko called Falco and Mike to the side and gave them detailed instructions.

"Falco, this trip is mainly for negotiation and reconciliation; try to avoid unnecessary conflicts."

"But if the other party is unreasonable and aggressive, you don't need to be overly tolerant."

"Let them know that the envoys of Vanguard Valley are not to be bullied."

"Remember, behind you is the entire Vanguard Valley."

Falco nodded heavily.

"Roko-sama, I understand!"

Roko looked at Mike again.

"Mike, on this trip, listen more, watch more, and learn more."

"Falco is experienced; you should ask him for advice more often."

"Pay attention to safety and don't cause trouble."

A serious expression appeared on Mike's face.

"Yes, Roko-sama! I will definitely perform well!"

He knew this was an opportunity Roko had given him.

He had to grasp it firmly.

Soon, Bagelumu, with several followers, along with Falco and Mike, formed a small team.

They left Vanguard Valley and set off toward the Dwarf Mountains in the north.

Roko and Martina stood on the city wall, watching their departing figures until they disappeared at the end of the rugged mountain road.

"Roko, do you think this will succeed?"

Martina asked softly.

Her white eyes gazed at the rolling mountains in the distance, as if she could pierce through the layers of mist and see that mysterious and ancient land.

A confident smile appeared on Roko's face.

"I believe in Falco's ability."

"I also believe in the charm of our Vanguard Valley's spirits."

"Moreover, there is also Bagelumu, the 'insider'."

"As long as the Fire Beard Tribe's Patriarch is not a fool, he should know that cooperating with us is the wisest choice."

Martina nodded slightly.

"I hope so."

"The resources of the Dwarf Mountains are too important to us."

"Especially those rare ores; if they can be supplied stably, our military industry will take a qualitative leap."

Roko's gaze also became distant.

The Dwarf Mountains were just the first step in his plan.

In the future, there would be a broader world waiting for him to conquer.

"By the way, Martina."

Roko suddenly remembered something.

"What Bagelumu mentioned about the mysterious humans behind the Fire Beard Tribe, as well as the weapons they provided with special flame marks..."

"What is your opinion?"

Martina pondered for a moment and said, "There is too little intelligence at the moment to judge."

"However, judging from the style and marks of the weapons, it doesn't look like the work of the Light Temple or the Poison Scorpion Society."

"I am more inclined to believe it is some noble force within the Black Kingdom that possesses a certain military strength and ambition."

"Their goal is very likely to obtain ore resources or even covet Xin Feng Province by controlling the dwarf tribes."

A cold glint flashed in Roko's eyes.

"No matter who it is, anyone who dares to set their sights on Vanguard Valley will pay a heavy price."

Vanguard Valley was the foundation of his rise and could not be lost.

Any force attempting to sabotage the stability and development here would be his enemy.

The morning sun, carrying a hint of chill, pierced through the thin mist and sprinkled on every inch of Vanguard Valley's land.

After months of development, this once desolate valley was now full of vitality.

The newly built residential areas were well-planned, with rows of neat wooden houses extending into the distance.

Smoke rose from the chimneys on the roofs, and the air was filled with the mixed aroma of baked bread and meat soup.

The laughter of children echoed in the alleys; their faces no longer had the sallow look from when they first arrived, replaced by a longing for a new life.

Roko wore comfortable casual clothes, walking on the stone path of the new district.

His footsteps were calm, his gaze peaceful, and from time to time, passing residents bowed to him, their eyes filled with respect and gratitude.

"Roko-sama, good morning!"

"Baron-sama, may the Light God bless you!"

Roko responded with a smile and a nod, occasionally stopping to chat briefly with them and ask about their living conditions.

The newly appointed head of the Civil Mediation Office, Lindsay, walked out of a small alley nearby and saluted Roko.

"Roko-sama."

Lindsay's voice carried a hint of the youthful vitality unique to young people.

"Hmm, Lindsay, how is the handling of affairs in the new district?"

Roko asked, his tone gentle but possessing a natural majesty.

"Reporting to you, Master, everything is on the right track."

Lindsay's face carried a hint of excitement.

"The various management systems formulated by Lady Martina have been effectively implemented."

"Household registration, material distribution, and daily minor disputes for new residents can all be handled in a timely manner."

"The people's emotions are also very stable, and their sense of belonging to Vanguard Valley is getting stronger."

Roko nodded with satisfaction.

"Well done."

"Lindsay, remember, fairness is the cornerstone of uniting people's hearts."

"Vanguard Valley welcomes all hardworking and orderly people, but it will never tolerate any behavior that disrupts order."

"Yes, Master! Lindsay will keep it in mind!"

Lindsay replied respectfully, his admiration for this young Lord deepening even further.

Leaving the new district, Roko arrived at the territory's martial arts field.

The martial arts field had been expanded several times over, with high arrow towers and watchtowers built around it.

Knight Captain Hart was meticulously training the members of the Storm Knights.

"Drink!"

"Ha!"

The knights' shouts were uniform and full of power.

Some of them had already changed into the 【Obsidian Gold】 armor newly forged by the Stone Hammer Tribe.

The dull metallic luster shimmered in the sun, revealing a chilling coldness and sturdiness.

Mike was also in the ranks; he gritted his teeth, sweat soaking his training uniform, but his eyes were unusually firm.

Since following Falco to the Dwarf Mountains last time and experiencing that small disturbance, he seemed to have matured a lot, no longer the lazy young noble.

"Captain Hart."

Roko walked to the edge of the martial arts field.

Hart immediately stopped the training, walked quickly to Roko, and performed a standard knight salute.

"Roko-sama!"

"How is the training of the Knights going?"

Roko asked, his gaze sweeping over those spirited knights.

"Report, Master, the Storm Knights have now expanded to 300 people."

Hart's voice was steady and powerful.

"100 veteran soldiers have completed the change to Obsidian Gold equipment, and their combat power has improved significantly."

"The newly recruited soldiers are also undergoing high-intensity adaptive training, and it is expected that they will form preliminary combat power in a month."

"Very good."

A hint of approval appeared in Roko's eyes.

"Is there any problem with the supply of Obsidian Gold equipment from the Stone Hammer Tribe?"

Hart nodded.

"Falco-sama brought back a positive reply from Patriarch Bagelumu last time he returned from the Dwarf Mountains."

"The Stone Hammer Tribe promises to prioritize the equipment supply for our Vanguard Valley."

"Although forces like the Fire Beard Tribe still have some small movements, under Falco-sama's mediation and the 'charm' of Vanguard Valley's spirits, the trade order within the Dwarf Mountains is gradually being established."

Roko nodded slightly.

Falco's mission this time was completed quite excellently, not only consolidating the alliance with the Stone Hammer Tribe but also successfully opening trade channels with other dwarf tribes.

Vanguard Valley's spirits were becoming an important lever to pry open the resources of the entire Dwarf Mountains.

Fula stood quietly behind Roko, her silver-gray cat ears twitching slightly.

She was also wearing a neat warrior outfit, with a slender knight sword hanging at her waist.

In the cultivation of the 【Flame Griffin Breathing Method】, her progress was even faster than Roko had expected.

The little beast Tain was currently lying at Fula's feet; it was a circle larger than when it was first rescued, the dark red scale patterns were becoming clearer, and the twin horns on its forehead were also more obvious.

It yawned, stretched out its little claws, and a small cluster of dark red flames danced on the tips of its claws before quickly extinguishing.

Its control over its own bloodline power was also becoming more proficient day by day.

Everything seemed to be developing in a good direction.

In the study of the Lord's Mansion.

Martina's snow-white long hair was scattered casually, and her white eyes were focused on the sand table in front of her.

On the sand table, every building and every road in Vanguard Valley was clearly visible.

"Roko, the progress of various affairs is very smooth."

Martina's voice still carried a hint of coldness, but if one listened carefully, one could detect a hint of relaxation contained within.

"The population has stabilized at around 350,000, and after the implementation of the new policy, administrative efficiency has improved significantly."

"The supply of timber and herbs from the Red Leaf Forest territory is stable, and the food trade with Earl Adrian has not been interrupted."

"The ores and weapons from the dwarf tribes are being transported continuously."

"Our fiscal revenue hit a new high last month."

The corners of Martina's mouth rarely curved into a tiny arc.

"This is all your credit, Martina."

Roko said sincerely.

"Without you, Vanguard Valley could not have today's situation."

Martina's cheeks flushed slightly imperceptibly, but she quickly returned to calm.

"I just did what I should do."

She paused and continued, "However, there is one thing you need to pay attention to."

"According to Buck's intelligence, the Light Temple's activities in Xin Feng Province are still frequent."

"They don't seem to have given up the investigation because of the deaths of Father Chris and Knight Sierluo."

"It seems the Poison Scorpion Society's activities in Xin Feng Province have also been unusual recently, seemingly secretly contacting some minor nobles dissatisfied with the status quo."